OPERATIVES of the Southern Police District rescued last Saturday night 16 Thailanders allegedly being forced to work in an online gaming operation in Pampanga.
SPD Director Brig. Gen.Kirby John Kraft identified the Thais as Hasim Komonchanok, Iamphon Anucha, Mathsee Thaweeblamlerd, Khamwisu Darunee, Bunmachu Attaphon, Winai Noito, Sompong Sukyong, Wilaiporn Khasun, Sungnum Pannipa, Khaivigit Kittipong, Yuwamongkol Therapon, Worapattananan Panupong, Chaikla Natthamut, Rachala Mattana, Siriwan Panta and Jiang Jun.
Kraft said SPD operatives from the District Special Operations Unit, along with personnel from the Regional Special Operations Group of the NCR Police Office, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Pampanga, and personnel from the Mabalacat City Police Station conducted the rescue operation at R6 Fontana Clark Freezone, Pampanga.
The operation stemmed from a letter by Minister Counselor Kritreya Lepkao of the Thai Royal Embassy addressed to the SPD that the embassy received a report that there were Thais being forced to work beyond their work hours but receives no overtime pay from their employer Shedaikeji, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation operator.
However, Kraft said the Thais manifested their intent not to file charges against their employer.
“Since they wanted to immediately return to their country as soon as possible, said rescued Thai nationals were safely turned over to the Thai embassy represented by Ms. Lepkao,” the SPD chief added.
Kraft said the operation is part of the overall efforts of the PNP to crack down against human trafficking in POGO-related activities.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla directed the National Bureau of Investigation to coordinate with the PNP in the operation against illegal POGO workers.
